Immerse yourself in the regal splendor of the late 17th century with Henry Purcell's "Royal Welcome Songs for King James II." This exquisite collection, released in 2017, showcases the mastery of one of England's most renowned composers, Henry Purcell. The album is a stunning compilation of choral and instrumental works composed to celebrate the coronation of King James II, offering a vivid sonic portrait of the opulence and grandeur of the era.
The album opens with the majestic "Chacony in G Minor, Z.730," a powerful and intricate piece that sets the tone for the royal celebration to come. Throughout the album, Purcell's compositions seamlessly blend sacred and secular themes, reflecting the dual nature of the coronation festivities. Standout tracks include the hauntingly beautiful "When On My Sick Bed I Languish, Z.144" and the lively "True Englishmen Drink a Good Health, Z.284," which captures the festive spirit of the time.
The centerpiece of the album is the multi-movement work "Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344, a grand ode to the new king and his queen, Mary of Modena. This piece is a testament to Purcell's skill in crafting intricate vocal harmonies and dramatic instrumental accompaniments. The album also features the rousing "Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum," Z.335, a celebratory anthem that encapsulates the jubilation and pomp of the coronation.
"Royal Welcome Songs for King James II" is performed by The Sixteen, conducted by Harry Christophers, known for their impeccable interpretations of early music. The album's duration of approximately 1 hour and 4 minutes ensures a rich and immersive listening experience, transporting you to a time of royal pageantry and musical brilliance. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is a treasure trove of historical and musical significance, offering a unique glimpse into the ceremonial grandeur of the Stuart era.
(C) 2017 The Sixteen Productions
Tracks
Chacony in G Minor, Z.730Henry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
When On My Sick Bed I Languish, Z.144Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Mark Dobell, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Catches: No. 45, True Englishmen Drink a Good Health, Z.284Henry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Jeremy Budd, George Pooley, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: I. SymphonyHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: II. "Ye Tuneful Muses, Raise Your Heads"Henry Purcell, Ben Davies, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: III. "This Point of Time Ends All Your Grief"Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: IV. "In His Just Praise Your Noblest Songs Let Fall"Henry Purcell, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: V. "Try, Try Ev’ry Strain"Henry Purcell, Jeremy Budd, Mark Dobell, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: VI. "From the Rattling of Drums and the Trumpet’s Loud Sounds"Henry Purcell, Kirsty Hopkins, Katy Hill, Daniel Collins, Mark Dobell, Jeremy Budd, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: VII. "With Him He Brings the Partner of His Throne"Henry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: VIII. "Happy in a Mutual Love"Henry Purcell, Kirsty Hopkins, Katy Hill, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Ye Tuneful Muses" Z.344: IX. "Whilst in Music and Verse Our Duty We Show"Henry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
A New Irish Tune in G Major, Z.646 "Lilliburlero"Henry Purcell, Alastair Ross, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Hymns and Sacred Songs: Canon a 7, God is Gone Up With a Merry Noise, Z.107Henry Purcell, Katy Hill, Kirsty Hopkins, Mark Dobell, Jeremy Budd, George Pooley, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
A New Scotch Tune in G Major, Z.655Henry Purcell, Alastair Ross, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
Full Anthem "Save Me, Oh God", Z.51Henry Purcell, Katy Hill, Kirsty Hopkins, Daniel Collins, Jeremy Budd, George Pooley, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: I. SymphonyHenry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: II. Sound the Trumpet, Beat the DrumHenry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Jeremy Budd, George Pooley, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: III. Crown the Year, and Crown the DayHenry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: IV. To Caesar All Hail, Unequall’d in Arms!Henry Purcell, The Sixteen, Harry Christophers
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: V. Let Caesar and Urania LiveHenry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Jeremy Budd, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: VI. What Greater Bliss Can Fate BestowHenry Purcell, Mark Dobell, Ben Davies, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: VII. While Caesar, Like the Morning StarHenry Purcell, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
"Sound the Trumpet, Beat the Drum", Z.335: VIII. To Urania and Caesar Delights Without MeasureHenry Purcell, Daniel Collins, Jeremy Budd, Mark Dobell, George Pooley, Ben Davies, Stuart Young, Harry Christophers, The Sixteen
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